Dufour 34 vs HR 38
French volume cruiser versus Swedish centre-cockpit pedigree: Dufour 34's layout value against Hallberg-Rassy HR 38's Baltic resale pool. Side-by-side specs from published model data.
Dufour 34 vs HR 38 — advisory clarifies which refit budget matches your plans. Buyer advisory
Comparison table
| Category | Dufour 34 | HR 38 |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 10.4 m | 11.57 m |
| Beam | 3.5 m | 3.48 m |
| L/B | 2.97 | 3.32 |
| Production years | 2000-2015 | 1977-1986 |
| Overview | The Dufour 34 is one of Northern Europe's most recognisable production sailboats. | The HR 38 is one of Northern Europe's most recognisable production sailboats. Designed by Olle Enderlein for Hallberg-Rassy and built from 1977 to 1982 — a classic Enderlein blue-water cruiser before the Frers era scaled the range. |
| Typical issues | Q: What deck hardware bedding issues appear on Dufour 34? A: Bedding failure at stanchions and tracks is the most frequent survey finding; budget 6,000–20,000 kr per zone for rebedding at Nordic yards if moisture is localized. | Q: What osmotic blistering issues appear on HR 38? A: Older HR GRP may show osmosis; barrier-coat history should be documented. Q: What chainplate leak issues appear on HR 38? A: Chainplate backing pads need internal inspection for laminate softness. Q: What iron keel corrosion issues appear on HR 38? A: Iron ballast encapsulation should be verified with moisture readings. |